The longtime Kobe Bryant friend and Former Laker, Pau Gasol, tore up as his no. 16 was unveiled right next to Bryant’s no. 8 and 24 in the rafters.
During that jersey retirement event, Lakers legend Pau Gasol delivered an emotional speech in which he spoke about his close friendship with Bryant and the profound sense of loss he felt following Bryant’s tragic death in a helicopter crash.
What did Gasol say about Kobe Bryant?
Gasol, the two-time NBA champion, stated that he was very much thankful to receive such an honor as he became the 12th player in franchise history to have his jersey retired. However, it had been a bittersweet moment for Pau as somehow he could not help remembering his late teammate friend Bryant while mentioning their inseparable bond as Kobe always motivated him to put in more effort and be a better player.
Afterward, He became emotional, saying he desperately missed Kobe on this big day.
What did Bryant say about Pau Gasol in the pre-recorded video?
TheLos Angeles Lakers presented a previously recorded video of five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant, who delivered a touching message for his longtime buddy and predicted that Gasol’s jersey number would be retired next to his number in the rafters before Gasol’s moving speech.
This deceased superstar also claimed Gasol was the reason he had been able to win all those championships and expressed his enthusiasm to witness the day Gasol would give his fans’ appreciation speeches at center court.
Kobe Bryant, the 18-time All-Star, died in a tragic helicopter crash with his daughter Gianna and seven others in 2020. Gasol did not stop there, going on to express his gratitude towards Vanessa, the wife of Bryant, stating he adores her and always feels grateful to be an uncle to their lovely three daughters.
Although Gasol once mentioned that it was not easy for him to become a friend of Kobe as he was immensely fierce in the initial days leading him not to acknowledge his teammates. However, Bryant and Gasol spent their whole career as beloved friends and won two NBA Championships together.
Gasol’s emotional speech moved many in attendance, while the Lakers teammates reminded us of their beautiful yet, long-lasting friendship, which is quite rare nowadays.
